Not only are bletillas one of the easiest ground orchids to grow in the garden or in containers, they are also one of the few that are easy to grow from seed. We’ve been growing seedlings for the last decade and having discarded several thousand plants (hint…they are all nice), we’ve narrowed them down to our final few selections, a few of which are pictured below. In addition to the differences in flower color, flower size, ploidy level, there are dramatic differences in flowering season and height.
Below is a Peter Zale hybrid, Bletilla ‘Candles in the Wind’, which Plant Delights will be introducing in spring. The floriferousness and height are the first two things you notice…there just aren’t many 4′ tall bletillas. In the eight years we’ve trial this, it has spread from a small plant to form a 6′ wide patch. This is a truly astonishing selection.
I’m guessing full sun (and lots of water) for best results?
Part sun and average to slightly moist soils are best
Yokahama ‘Kate’ finished blooming and the seed pods are ripening as we speak. The foliage is browning at the tips also. After the seeds ripen can I cut the plant back ?(zone 10a).
I eagerly await the chance to purchase “Candles” next spring.
I’d cut the flower stalks but leave the foliage for food production for next year’s flowers
Lookin’ forward to that new introduction! Four feet tall! WOW!!